October 4 2018 – DELTA NEWSHUB

Delta Cargo innovating pet safety and comfort

At Delta, our first priority is the safety of customers and pets in our care. To ensure a high-quality, consistent service, Delta Cargo has entered into an exclusive long-term partnership with CarePod, a pet technology start-up that has developed a new standard of first-class safety and care for pet air travel.

Through this partnership, Delta Cargo will launch a new pet transportation strategy. With a new range of smart, pet travel products and services, CarePod will help Delta better carry and monitor pets throughout the network, with real-time updates for customers. This is alongside the recent introduction of a staff veterinarian to the Delta Cargo team who will review policies and procedures to ensure safe and comfortable pet travel.

“Demand for pet shipments is strong and we are always looking for ways to create a best-in-class travel experience for pets and their owners,” said Shawn Cole, Vice President — Delta Cargo. “Working with a start-up like CarePod allows Delta the flexibility to enhance our service in new and innovative ways. We are able to think big, start small and learn fast to solve specific customer needs.”

“Our innovative use of technology and breakthrough engineering solutions are matched by our passion for pet safety, comfort and security. Our goal is to transform the future of pet travel, and to be able to work with Delta in delivering a better experience for its customers is an exciting step,” said Jenny Pan, Founder and CEO of CarePod.

Delta’s team of specialists constantly review processes and policies to identify areas of improvement to ensure the safety and health of pets. The airline has specially trained ground handlers who take care of pets at every step of their journey. Delta also has temperature-controlled holding areas and vehicles in numerous locations, overnight kenneling services, and real-time GPS tracking service for pet shipments. The new Cargo Control Center in Atlanta also gives the airline 24/7/365 visibility into all shipments, including pets.

Delta Cargo’s relationship with CarePod is the latest example of seeking out innovative start-up partnerships to streamline and improve the customer experience. Delta Cargo has invested in a number of customer solutions with the full product range now bookable on deltacargo.com, reliable shipping services with GPS and real-time tracking options. Plus an industry-leading Cargo Control Center for 24/7 proactive shipment monitoring and IATA’s CEIV Pharma certification. Over the past several years, Delta has been a leader in customer experience innovation with RFID baggage handling, and bag tracking via the Fly Delta mobile app, replacing ID checks at touch points with fingerprint scanning, biometric-based self-service bag drop, automatic check-in, an alliance that will empower customers with seamless in-cabin connectivity experience, more efficient and high-tech automated screening lanes, and a groundbreaking app that helps Delta pilots avoid turbulence for a more comfortable flight, along with working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on optional facial recognition boarding tests. Delta is also one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies Worldwide in 2018, earning the No. 6 spot among travel companies.

Guidance for customers traveling with pets can be found at Delta.com and DeltaCargo.com.